Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Take a look at some of the most rugged parts of the southwest today, and you think it’s almost a miracle that people can really live there. Amid deserts and all the arid, dry heat, few of us would make it without the modern scientific advancements of running water and air conditioning. When you take all of those things away, it’s overwhelming to imagine living there.
And yet Bandelier National Monument is a testament to ancient people who did just that. Granted, the world may have been quite a bit different back then. The soft rocks here were home to people nearly 11,000 years ago, a cool respite from the hot sun. And amid the remains and the rest of the 33,000 acres of land, Bandelier National Monument is a sight to behold.
Bandelier National Monument hiking includes 70 miles of trails on 33,000 acres of land. There are a lot of opportunities to find the paths that are right for you and your family and see a lot of different types of interesting desert rock formations. Some of the trails here are short and easily accessible. Others have a lot of switchbacks and require sturdy hiking boots.
The trails are divided into short trails and long trails. Shorter trails range from one to five miles round-trip and are positioned to let you see many different types of landscapes. Longer trails are considered “backcountry,” and can be around 12 miles or longer. Remember before you set out on any hike, but especially a longer one, that you’re hiking in a desert. Pack water with you, and stay as hydrated as possible.
Boating? In the desert? Well, those ancient people wouldn’t have lived here were it not for a water source. In fact, the body of water that runs through here is none other than the famous Rio Grande. Here, it passes through several canyons offering unparalleled views.
If you choose to boat here, you’ll be in a small raft or kayak, and you’ll need to plan your hike back out. The easiest way to do this is to access Burro Trail at the mouth of the Alamo Canyon. It’s a serious hike, but boating down the Rio Grande is an opportunity that’s hard to pass up.
Humans have been doodling throughout history, it seems. The petroglyphs you’ll find at Bandelier National Monument are a testament to our love of storytelling and writing things down, even when we didn’t have a written language to use. The Ancestral Puebloans left their mark behind in the area around 1150-1600 CE.
These petroglyphs and rock paintings depict all kinds of events, from hunts to ceremonies. They’ve been studied by archaeologists for years, and it’s remarkable that they still exist to the extent that we can hike out and see them now. Because they’re such a fragile part of history, always take care and be respectful of these areas when you’re viewing.
There are two primary types of dwellings built inside Bandelier National Monument. The Puebloans broke some pieces of rock down into bricks and built their structures on the floor of the canyon, while they carved into the softer, red rock and formed structures and caves. Both of these are still on display inside the area.
Many of these dwellings are remarkably advanced considering the time in which they were built. On some cliff sides, you can even see windows that show these buildings were multi-story. These pueblos and rock buildings are found throughout the park, and are easy to access through some of the hiking trails.
No matter where you go, you’re likely to see wildlife in and around Bandelier National Monument. In Frijole Canyon, you’ll regularly come across deer and the very fun-looking Abert’s Squirrel, with their black fur and elf-like ears. Elk are around in the winter, and you’ll want to take special care if you go backcountry hiking, as you may run into a black bear or mountain lion.
Reptiles love the desert too. You’ll find rattlesnakes and horny toads (yes, they’re really called that), among other lizards. Bats are found throughout the park as well. And of special note: if you’re afraid of spiders, keep an eye out for tarantulas, because every fall they become exceptionally common.
Located in nearby Sante Fe, Sante Fe Skies RV Park has a total of 98 sites with full hookups, no matter what your rig—plus free wifi. One of the biggest perks is the sweeping, panoramic view of downtown Sante Fe, as the park sits on a ridge outside of town. There’s laundry onsite, plus a nice walking trail. There are also antique gas engines on display, for something you won’t find at other RV parks.
Stay authentically in the American southwest by setting up camp at Roadrunner RV Park, part of the Pueblo of Pojoaque. A tribally owned park, staying at the Pojoaque RV park puts you in close proximity to a lot of really nice amenities. One of the main draws? A casino. But of course, with the casino comes a variety of other swanky perks, like a 24-hour gym, gourmet restaurants, and a nightclub. Every site comes with full hookups, plus there are other restaurants nearby on tribal lands as well.
Want to wake up to see those stellar views mentioned above? Juniper Family Campground is one of two spots inside the Bandelier National Monument grounds. But know what you’re getting into. There are no hookups available at Juniper Campground in Bandelier, so you’ll be dry camping. That means using the water in your tanks and a generator to get full use of your rented RV. There is a dump station nearby, and a restroom with running water. But for camping near Bandelier National Monument, what’s roughing it when you have all that gorgeous land to look at, though?
In nearby White Rock, there’s a small area that’s ideal for RVs. There are 16 spaces with electrical hookups and a dump station on site. This spot puts you conveniently between Bandelier National Monument and Diablo Canyon Recreation Area. You won’t find a lot else here, but it’s first-come, first-served, and can be a perfect place to spend the night.
The other great campground in Bandelier National Monument is Ponderosa Group Campground. It’s a popular one and particularly good for groups—especially because there are only two sites here. In the height of the busy season, you may not be able to get it, but once things slow down, it’s an ideal spot to really be away from it all. And this place is rustic: there are pit toilets but no running water.
While you're out enjoying Bandelier National Monument camping, you're going to get hungry. There aren’t any restaurants inside Bandelier National Monument. Fortunately for you, you’re traveling in an RV, complete with its own kitchen. Do some meal planning before you leave, and stock your pantry and refrigerator with anything for those meals. You’ll be glad to have a nice meal at basecamp when you get back from a long, hot hike.
There are loads of restaurants in nearby Los Alamos. You’ll find everything from coffee shops for breakfast to quick diners for breakfast and lunch. Of course, there are taco shops, plus a barbecue joint. And because there’s nothing quite as nice as a tall, cold one after a long, hot hike in the New Mexico sun, you’ll also find a brewpub that serves great burgers.
Especially if you’re looking for great Mexican food, Los Alamos will meet all of your needs while you're enjoying a Los Alamos New Mexico RV rental. There are also many other spots across New Mexico that you’ll find as you travel. Otherwise, if you’ve got picky eaters with you, you’ll find lots of good options like pizza, sandwiches, and more of that kind as well.